Pupils and staff from Tarleton Academy are celebrating the publication of their latest Ofsted report, which took place following a two-day inspection in July at their state-of-the-art new building.

Tarleton Academy was first judged by Ofsted to be a ‘Good’ school in 2014, and this latest visit by the inspectors confirms that rating stands*. The Ofsted inspection framework changed in 2019 and it is widely recognised that the new approach to inspection is tougher and more demanding. The ‘Good’ rating is particularly impressive in this context, especially given that the staff and pupils have been working on a building site since January 2022.

Pupils told inspectors that they are “proud of their new building and facilities” and that this has helped to “increase their enjoyment of learning, especially in practical activities”.

Part of the Government School Rebuild Scheme, designed to upgrade educational facilities across England, the academy’s new building officially opened in April. One of the first to be completed in the Northwest, it is one of only two schools in the country to have a new swimming pool. Swimming lessons are offered on a weekly basis and the pool is open to the public outside of school hours and to local primaries during the school day for their lessons.

The inspection, which took place at the recently developed building, highlighted that leaders are “ambitious for all pupils”, including pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). It remarked that “rigorous systems are in place to identify additional needs”.

Leaders were praised for the broad range of opportunities and extra-curricular activities provided to widen the personal development of pupils.

Other highlights include: 

Reading is “prioritised” across the school and all pupils read regularly with their teachers. Skilled staff provide additional support to pupils where needed so that they “catch up quickly with their peers”.

● Pupils are well prepared to progress into further education, employment or training and benefit from “high-quality careers education that raises their aspirations from a young age”.

● Classrooms are recognised as being “calm and purposeful”.

● Staff know pupils well and it is clear to pupils who they need to speak to if they are worried or upset. Occurrences of bullying are dealt with “effectively”.

● The rich range of extra-curricular activities commented on by the inspection team, includes forensics club, eco club and the choir.

Simon Day, Tarleton Academy Headteacher, said:

“We welcomed Ofsted’s visit to our school and for the inspectors to see our pupils flourishing at our newly developed site. The positive comments in the report reflect our commitment to providing a high-quality education at Tarleton Academy.

“We will continue to make improvements and set expectations which encourage all our pupils to excel.”

David Clayton, the newly-appointed Chief Executive of Endeavour Learning Trust, said:

“It is wonderful to see Tarleton Academy upholding its high standards and raising the aspirations of every pupil.

“The whole team of staff have clearly worked incredibly hard throughout the rebuild of the school site to increase pupils’ enjoyment of learning. It’s heart warming to hear from the inspectors how proud Tarleton pupils are of their school and I am looking forward to seeing it go from strength to strength.”

Click here to read the full report for Tarleton Academy: https://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/provider/23/137768